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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2013-29 Landmark Designation-PD Commty Church CITY OF PALM DESERT BUILDING AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.?013-29 APPROVING LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR THE PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CHURCH (CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING PALM DESERT), LOCATED AT 45-630 PORTOLA AVE, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK SUBMITTED BY: Russeli A. Grance, Director of Building and Safety CASE NOS: CRPC 13-02 DATE: May 23, 2013 CONTENTS: 1. Cultural Resources Preservation Committee, April 30, 2013 meeting DRAFT minutes 2. Resolution No.2o13-29 3. Landmark Designation Application Recommendation: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2013-29 , reaffirming the action of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee, designating the Palm Desert Community Church (Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert), located at 45-630 Portola Ave with landmark designation; in accordance with section 29.40.010 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. Committee Recommendation: On April 30, 2013, the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee at its regular scheduled meeting conducted a public hearing as required per PDMC 29.40.070 and unanimously recommended nominating the Palm Desert Community Church (Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert), located at 45-630 Portola Ave with landmark designation. Background: The building is significant as the City of Palm Desert's first Community Church. A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Portola Ave site on February 6, 1950. Architect Barry Frost's plans were approved by the congregation on March 12, 1950, with Clarence Beck of Indio, the builder. Carl Henderson became the chairman of the building committee, and the congregation set to work in earnest to provide a roof for Resolution No. 2013-29 Staff Report Palm Desert Community Church May 23, 2013 Page 2 of 3 "the house that Mac would build." The church has been called "The Church of a President". As early as 1960, President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower attended services during the winter months when they were in residence at nearby Eldorado Country Club. One afternoon, he brought friends over to see this church, quietly walking in to show it to them as the organist was practicing. The Eisenhower's always sat in the fourth row, a place chosen for them by the Secret Service during his presidency. The congregation at first would stand up in recognition of his presence when he entered, but the President discouraged this practice. He found the church "a warm and friendly place", and both attended whenever they could. The Religious Science Church of the Desert is now located in the enlarged, yet easily- recognizable original structure on the Portola Ave site. The building is eligible for designation as a City Landmark in accordance with section 29.40.010 Landmark Designation Criteria as it: A. "Exemplifies or reflects special elements of cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural, or natural history"; E. "Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation." Resolution No. 2013-29 Staff Report Palm Desert Community Church May 23, 2013 Page3of3 Fiscal Analysis: There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Submitted By: `�' �1 Russell A. Grance, Director of Building & Safety CiTY COUNCILA�OI�T Approv : APPROVED � DENiED RECEIVED OTHER MEF,TI G D T � - �' � Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance AYES: � � /7?i NOES: ABSEIVT: � � A[3STA11�1: �(�� VERIF(ED I3Y: Joh . Wohlmuth, City Manager Ori�inal on File with City erk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT �--��---� � � CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE DR�F T Preliminary Minutes April 30, 2013 Administrative Conference Room 1. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Kim Housken called the meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee to order at 10:01 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: � Ricki Brodie Don Graybill Kim Housken Leslie Deane Roth K. Gary Olesen Bob Pitchford Also Present: Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety Bernard and Barbara Cain, Sandpiper Condominiums James R. Harlan, Sandpiper Condominiums Elizabeth Gold, Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert Richard and Lauren Weinstein, Sandpiper Condominiums Jackie Armstrong, Sandpiper Condominiums Barbara Sattley, Shadow Cliff Condominiums Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Note: Barbara Sattley of Shadow Cliff Homeowners Association commented during Section XI1. Reports and Remarks, with Committee concurrence. No Committee action was taken. The item was not on the Agenda, and is noted below: Barbara Sattley of Shadow Cliff Homeowners Association is interested in pursuing a historic district designation for her community. She has a copy of the application and will find out whether the association has the authority to sign the application. Committee Chair Kim Housken encouraged her to visit the Historical Society of Palm Desert to find more information about Shadow Cliff. Ms. Sattley mentioned a civil matter with Shadow Cliff that the Committee could not assist her with. CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 30, 2013 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 01/31/12 Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie and seconded by Committee Member Bob Pitchford that the Minutes of the meeting of 1/31/12 be approved. Motion was unanimously approved. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2013 Committee Chair Kim Housken recalled that in the past, the Vice Chair often ascends to the position of Chair, however, it is the Vice Chair's preference. Vice Chair Ricki Brodie cited personal reasons for not pursuing the position of Chair. Motion was made by Committee Member K. Gary Olesen that current Committee Chair Kim Housken remain Chair of this Committee. Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0. Committee Chair Kim Housken mentioned that she appreciated the vote of confidence. Committee Member Bob Pitchford commented that is was a good idea that Ms. Housken be the Chair of this Committee. Ms. Housken expressed her thanks. Motion was made by Committee Member Bob Pitchford that Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie remain as Vice Chair. Motion was seconded by Committee Member K. Gary Olesen. Motion passed unanimously. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VI11. OLD BUSINESS . None Gt&dgSfty�Suzanne Gcchini\Word FIeslCultural Resources Preservatlon CommitteelM'inutes 2013104-30-13 Preliminary A�finutes.docu Page 2 CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 30, 2013 IX. PUBLIC HEARING— SANDPIPER CONDOMINIUMS CIRCLES 11 AND 12 Unit# Address L o t # A P N 1101 72487 EI Paseo 1 640 200 006 1102 72489 EI Paseo 2 640 200 005 1103 72491 EI Paseo 3 640 200 002 1104 72493 EI Paseo 4 640 200 0 01 1105 72495 EI Paseo 5 640 200 0 03 1106 72497 EI Paseo 6 640 200 004 1107 72499 EI Paseo 7 640 200 007 1108 72501 EI Paseo 8 640 200 008 1109 72471 EI Paseo 9 640 200 011 1110 72473 EI Paseo 10 640 200 012 1111 72475 EI Paseo 11 640 200 015 1112 72477 EI Paseo 12 640 200 016 1113 72479 EI Paseo 13 640 200 014 1114 72481 EI Paseo 14 640 200 013 1115 72483 EI Paseo 15 640 200 010 1116 72485 EI Paseo 16 640 200 009 Common 72485 EI Paseo 33 640 200 017 area 1201 72459 EI Paseo 17 640 210 001 1202 72461 EI Paseo 18 640 210 002 1203 72463 EI Paseo 19 640 210 003 1204 72465 EI Paseo 20 640 210 004 1205 72467 EI Paseo 21 640 210 005 1206 72469 EI Paseo 22 640 210 006 1207 72439 EI Paseo 23 640 210 007 1208 72441 EI Paseo 24 640 210 008 1209 72443 EI Paseo 25 640 210 0 09 1210 72445 EI Paseo 26 640 210 010 1211 72447 Willow St 27 640 210 011 1212 72449 Willow St 28 640 210 012 1213 72451 Willow St 29 640 210 013 1214 72453 Willow St 30 640 210 014 1215 72455 EI Paseo 31 640 210 015 1216 72457 EI Paseo 32 640 210 016 Common 72457 EI Paseo 34 640 210 017 area X. CONSIDER HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN SANDPIPER CONDOMINIUMS CIRCLES 11 AND 12 Committee Chair Kim Housken opened the Public Hearing to Consider Historic District Designation for the properties located within Sandpiper Circles 11 and 12. No other reports were submitted. Bernard Cain represented Sandpiper Condominiums, Circles 11 and 12. His only comment would be if there were any additional questions, he would be happy to address them. He met with the Committee three times during Work Shops. He introduced .Jim Harlan, an architect from Palm Springs, and an active Board G:\&dgSfty�Suzarme Cicchini\Word FlIeslCultural Resources Preservatlon Committee\Mnutes 2013\04-3a13 Preliminary tiMnutes.doc�c Page 3 CUL.TURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 30 2013 Member on the Palm Springs Prese�vation Foundation Board. He did a very good job of presenting Sandpiper Circles 11 and 12 for historic district designation and put the application package together. Committee Member Ricki Brodie commented that it was an incredibly professional job and they should be proud of themselves. Mr. Cain introduced two Board Members that were present at the meeting. Richard Weinstein and Jackie Armstrong. Laurel Weinstein is Richard's wife. They attended the meeting in support of the historic district designation. Mr. Cain thanked the Committee. Committee Chair Kim Housken closed the Public Hearing. She remarked that Mr. Harlan did a fantastic job. Ms. Housken noted that Mr. Harlan, absent from the last Work Shop, received effusive praise about the application. Her only comment was that she wanted the application corrected under Section 6, Period of Significance, Modem Period that the cabin owned by Paul and Betty Popenoe and designed by Rudolph Schindler was actually builf in Coachella. It was not located in the City of Palm Desert. The cabin no longer exists. She also requested that on the same page of the application, that "Mountain Shadow Resort" should be corrected to read: Shadow Mountain Resort. Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie that staff prepare a resolution approving historic district designation for properties located within Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12, for City Council consideration. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen seconded the motion. Committee Chair Kim Housken added that she wanted to state for the record that they are very happy that Sandpiper Condominium Homeowner Association for Circles 11 and 12 came forward with this designation application and the Committee hopes your enthusiasm is contagious and will spread among the other units. She noted the fantastic job on the application and hoped other units can model it. The Motion passed unanimously in favor of advancing this application for historic district designation to City Council. XI. PUBLIC HEARING — PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CHURCH/1sT CHURCH CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIOlING PALM DESERT AND CONSIDER HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CHURCH/CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING PALM DESERT LOCATED AT 45630 PORTOLA AVENUE, APN: 625-172-004 AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK FOR CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL Committee Chair Kim Housken opened the Public Hearing. Elizabeth Gold, Director of Operations for the Center for Spiritua! Living Palm Desert clarified that the correct current name for this landmark is Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert. It was listed as Center for Spiritual Living, but did not indicate Palm Desert. There is also a center in Palm Springs and she wanted to note the distinction befinreen the two. There were no comments or other reports submitted. Committee Chair Kim Housken closed the Public Hearing. Committee Member Bob Pitchford commented that the building was a historic site and it should be recognized. Committee Chair Kim Housken noted the accompanying history about the landmark that the Committee worked on during Work Shops will be a part of the packet. G:\BldgSfty��Suzanne Cicchini\Word FlIeslCWhrral Ra�ources Preservatlon CommitteelMnutea 2013�04-30-13 Prelimi�ary I�nutes.dooc Page 4 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 30. 2013 Motion was made by Committee Member Bob Pitchford that staff prepare a resolution approving historic landmark designation for Paim Desert Community Church/Center for Spirituai Living Palm Desert located at 45630 Portola Avenue, APN: 625-172-004 as a locat historic landmark for City Council approval. Commtttee Member Ricki Brodle seconded the Motion. All voted in favor, Motlon carried 40. XI1. REPORTS AND REMARKS Committee Chair Kim Housken recalled that Committee Member Ricki Brodie had been attending the Citizens Sustainability Committee Meetings. Committee Member Ricki Brodie commented that shs did not see any reason to continue with those. Committee Chair Kim Housken suggested that she may want to foilow the Agendas and Minutes online for that Committee and mention any relevant items to the Committee. Committee Chair Kim Housken noted that she foliows the Agendas and Minutes of the Oversight Board of the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency online for items she is interested in. She has been concemed about the Walter White House on Santa Rosa and she is keeping an eye out for further information about it. Committee Chair Kim Housken mentioned she received an email from Brett Romer of the Palm Desert Historical Society inquiring about a possible time capsule located on a property on the south side of Highway 111. The building is a two story commercial building at Panorama Drive. A plaque notes the name of the building as the Kenneth B. Jacques building. In addition, Mr. Romer was seeking information on the Frank Sinatra house near Palm Desert in Mountain Center, CA. Committee Member Bob Pitchford recalled the architect and builder of the house was Ross Patton. XII1. ADJOURNMENT Committee Chair Kim Housken adjaumed the meeting at 10:40 a.m. �L�� �� Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary G:\01dySftytSurarme qcdwni�Word Rles\Culturat Resarces Preservatlon CommitteeV�fnutes 2013\04-30-13 PreqRinary F,irwtes.doac Pags 5 a RESOLUTION NO.2013-29 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT APPROVING LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CHURCH (CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING PALM DESERT), LOCATED AT 45-630 PORTOLA AVE, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK WHEREAS, on April 30, 2013, the Cultural Resource Preservation Committee conducted a public hearing to consider initiation of Landmark Designation of the Palm Desert Community Church (Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert), located at 45-630 Portola Ave, Assessor's Parcel No. 625-172-004, as a historic landmark pursuant to Section 29.40 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee has considered all of the evidence submitted into the administrative record which includes, but not limited to: 1. Agenda reports were prepared by the Department of Building and Safety. 2. Staff presentation at the meeting held on April 30, 2013 before the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee. 3. The City of Palm Desert, Cultural Resources Ordinance No. 1168, and all other applicable regulations and codes. 4. Public comments, both written and oral, received and/or submitted at or prior to the meeting, supporting and/or opposing the applicant's request. 5. Testimony and/or comments from the applicant and its representatives submitted to the City in both written and oral form at or prior to the meeting. 6. All related documents received and/or submitted at or prior to the meeting. WHEREAS, based on the forgoing evidence, the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee finds that: 1. A request for Landmark Designation for the Palm Desert Community Church (Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert), located at 45-630 Portola Ave, was made on March 27, 2012, to designate as an historical landmark. 2. Notice of the April 30, 2013, Cultural Resources Preservation Committee meeting was posted in the Desert Sun and at City Hall. 3. Notice of the April 30, 2013 Cultural Resources Preservation Committee was provided to the affected property owner as shown on the latest Riverside County assessment role. Owner was notified by telephone and by first class mail. 4. Notice of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee meeting included the notice requirements set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). WHEREAS, based on the Cultural Resources Ordinance 1168, the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee concludes the following: 1. Palm Deserts' character and history are reflected in its cultural, historical, and architectural heritage, and 2. Palm Deserts' historical foundations should be preserved as living parts of the community life and development in order to foster an understanding of the City's past so that future generations may have a genuine opportunity to appreciate, enjoy, and understand Palm Deserts' heritage, and 3. The Cultural Resources Preservation Committee has reviewed this site and determined it to be historically significant and could contribute to the economic and cultural revival of the City. Resolution No. 20��_�n Page 2 of 3 WHEREAS, in view of all the evidence and based on the forgoing designation criterion, the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee concludes as follows: The Palm Desert Community Church (Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert), located at 45-630 Portola Ave, meets the following designation criterion as contained in the City's Cultural Resources Ordinance, and is hereby worthy of preservation and designation as a Local Historic Landmark. A. "Exemplifies or reflects special elements of cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural, or natural history"; E. "Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation." A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Portola Ave. site on February 6, 1950. Architect Barry Frost's plans were approved by the congregation on March 12, 1950, with Clarence Beck of Indio, the builder. Carl Henderson became the chairman of the building committee, and the congregation set to work in earnest to provide a roof for "the house that Mac would build." They had a venison supper at $10 a plate, and they had a church auction. Cliff Henderson donated a Palomino pony to swell the funds. It was sold for $500, given back to the church and sold again, netting in the end $1000. A young boy who had agonizingly watched the back-and-forth sale of the pony, and whose obvious desire for it was not lost on its final owner, ended up by having the pony presented to him as a gift. In April of 1950, during the construction of the church, General Jimmy Doolittle, a high school classmate of Col. Cliff Henderson, and his Tokyo Raiders, 38 in all, were invited to Palm Desert to celebrate their fifth reunion. They were entertained by Bob Hope and Edgar Bergan during their weekend stay. On Sunday morning they all attended the half- completed church and listened to a sermon as they contemplated the vast desert within the wall-less building. Among them was Corporal Jacob D. Deshazar, one of the flyers in the Tokyo raid, downed and captured in Japanese-controlled China. In solitary confinement for three years, he found Christ and, after the war, returned to Japan to preach the Gospel. An engraved cornerstone was put in place at the NM/ corner of the native-stone bell tower on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1950, following the Thursday service, two years after the very first service. The whole community was invited. A metal container held early photographs, the Holy Bible, copies of legal documents, a roster of charter and present members and officers, and current issues of the Desert Sun. The soloist this day had also been the soloist at the laying of the cornerstone of the Palm Springs Community Church in 1935. Page 2 of � Resolution No. 2013-29 Page 3 of 3 The Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert is now located in the enlarged, yet easily- recognizable original structure on the Portola Ave. site. (Parcel No. 625-172-004-3) NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT DOES HEREBY DESIGNATE THE PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CHURCH (CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING PALM DESERT), LOCATED AT 45-630 PORTOLA AVE, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California at its regular meeting held this day of , 2013, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: JAN HARNIK, MAYOR ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA Page 3 of 3 City of Palm Desert z Department of Building and Safety 73-510 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 776-6420 Fax (760) 776-6392 Landmark Cultural Resources Nomination Application IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: Center For Spiritual Living 2. Historic Name: Palm Desert Community Church (1St Church) 3. Street address: 45-630 Portola Avenue City Palm Desert State CA Zip 92260 4. Assessor Parcel number: 625-172-004 5. Legal Owner: RELIGIOUS SCIENCE CHURCH OF THE DESERT City Palm Desert State CA Zip 92260 6. Present Use: Center For Spiritual Livinq Palm Desert 7. Original Use: Palm Desert Communitv Church Date form prepared: March 27, 2012 Preparer: Elizabeth Gold Sponsoring Organization (if any): Address: 45-630 Portola Ave City Palm Desert State CA Zip: 92260 Phone: 760-346-4649 1 DESCRIPTION 8. Legal property description: 1.39 ACRES M/L IN POR SW 1/4 OF SEC 21 T5S R6E FOR TOTAL DESCRIPTION SEE ASSESSORS MAPS Include approximate property size (in feet): 60548 Street Frontage 350' Depth 165' 9. Architectural Style: Mid-Century Desert Modern 10. Construction Date: Estimated 1948-1950 Factual Source of Information:Q Assessor's Records ❑ Building Permit ❑ Sanborn Map ❑ Publications ❑ Oral Interviews 11. Architect's Name: Barry Frost Builder's Name: Clarence Beck 12. Condition: ❑ Excellent Q Good ❑ Fair ❑ Deteriorated ❑ No longer in existence (for site ofl 13. Alterations: Yes 14. Use type: ❑ Residential ❑ Industrial ❑ Commercial Q Civic ❑ Other 15. Is the structure on its original site? Q Yes ❑ No ❑ Unknown If moved, approximate year 16. Related features and/or outbuildings: 17. Architectural Description The contemporary style gabled roofed building featuring the use of native stone and glass was designed by Palm Springs architect Barry L. Frost. A system of exposed three-hinged arches spans the original sanctuary supporting the roof and indirect lighting troughs. They 2 are fabricated from sandwiched wood members suggesting traditional heavy beam construction popular in church architecture. The massive square bell tower of stone accented with wood louvers combined with the glazed gable end of the sanctuary survives as part of the original architectural concept. The manse, constructed in a later building program, exhibits roof design characteristics and other details suggesting Walter White was the architect used. SIGNIFICANCE 18. Statement of Significance Dr. John Robertson Macartney, founder and pastor, was called from retirement to minister to the needs of this community. He had just finished his 11t" year as pastor of the Palm Springs Community Church, and was looking forward to a quiet retirement after having spent 58 years in the pulpit. At the conclusion of a Sunrise Service of his church, some visiting residents of the Palm Desert area, among them Cliff Henderson, Edgar Bergen, and Dick Powell, approached him and said, "Doctor, come down and start a church for us in Palm Desert. We can't sell our real estate without a church. No one will move where there is no Sunday school." Dr. Macartney caught the fire of its promoters and agreed to leave his status of "pastor emeritus." He vowed he would build one more church before making good his retirement plans, and this one was to be in Palm Desert. Initial services were conducted on a site named `Church Square', a newly bulldozed outdoor amphitheater. There were thirty-two charter members in 1948. The property was given by the Palm Desert Corporation, Mr. Clifford Henderson being the president. It was located on the east side of Portola Avenue, just north of Palm Desert School. Financial help was also given. The first service was held at the site on Thanksgiving Day, 1948. A platform had been built and flowers arranged by well- wishers, chairs borrowed, and a small pump organ loaned by the Brawley Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Macartney provided the music. On the first day of that month, she had listened to her husband relating this dream being voiced in the desert, handing him the first gift for the new church-to-be. It was a collection plate, and went into active service that first meeting of the congregation, to raise funds that paid for the 75 hymnals which had been ordered and used that day. There were 109 people at this first service. Dr. Macartney had this to say: "We realize it takes Grace, Grit, and Greenbacks to build a church. God will provide the Grace. Your leader has a good stock of grit, and you, the people, must furnish the greenbacks." After the service, a turkey shoot was held at the nearby Shadow Mountain Club, and Dr. Macartney went home like a Pilgrim Father, with a turkey flung over his shoulder. Thus, the first place of public worship between Cathedral City and Indio was launched. As the Christmas season approached, the small congregation sought cover for its services. They found it in the western-styled Roundup Room in the stables at the Shadow Mountain Club, a round room with an open fireplace. A long bar, well-marked and scarred from years of use in a long-gone mining town served as Dr. Macartney's pulpit. Some of the pictures above the bar, not suited for a church atmosphere, were turned to the wall during the service. Some folks came to church on horseback. Among them was Carl Henderson, one of Cliff's brothers, who had started a Rider's Club. Their weekly get together was early Sunday mornings. They would ride out into the desert and arrive back at the stable just about the 3 time church was to start. There they would dismount, tie their horses to a hitching post and join the congregation. One Sunday morning, Dr. Macartney did a switch on them. He entered the church in an unprecedented manner, on the back of a horse, and preached the sermon from his mount. The horses were Dr. Macartney's most faithful attendants, he claimed. On one occasion, at the climax of his sermon, he paused and said, "If there were any Methodists in the crowd, they would have said `Amen' to that statement." Just then an old white horse which had been hanging its head over the rail, seemingly to listen let go with a whinny that could be heard half a mile away. This broke up the service for that day. The first baptism was appropriately held in the stable on Christmas Day, 1948. The Holy Water for the ritual came from the River Jordan, contained a brass bowl brought all the way from Damascus by Mrs. Macartney. During this solemn ceremony, the child reached down into the bowl as he had seen the minister do. He seized hold of the baptismal fountain, lifted it to his lips and drank. Dr. Macartney, nonplused, said, "Let the little children come unto me..." The occasion became a vivid memory to those in the congregation who had witnessed it. On May 23, 1949, the name `Palm Desert Community Church" was officially adopted. The first name had been Shadow Mountain Community Church. Members had originally voted to remain an independent community church without ties or connection with any ecclesiastical body, preferring to serve all people of Christian faith, but this became impractical for many reasons, and on January 17, 1950, the Palm Desert Community Church affiliated with the United Presbyterian Church in America. The assets of the new congregation included the following items: two collection plates, one United States flag, one piano, 75 hymn books, 75 chairs, and one small reading stand. A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Portola Ave. site on February 6, 1950. Architect Barry Frost's plans were approved by the congregation on March 12, 1950, with Clarence Beck of Indio, the builder. Carl Henderson became the chairman of the building committee, and the congregation set to work in earnest to provide a roof for "the house that Mac would build." They had a venison supper at $10 a plate, and they had a church auction. Cliff Henderson donated a Palomino pony to swell the funds. It was sold for $500, given back to the church and sold again, netting in the end $1000. A young boy who had agonizingly watched the back-and-forth sale of the pony, and whose obvious desire for it was not lost on its final owner, ended up by having the pony presented to him as a gift. Gifts for the church came from various sources. The Union Pacific Railroad donated a church bell, one that had clanged from a locomotive for many years before it was retired from service. The railroad also gave the church $50 to help with the cost of its installation. This was rung for the first time on an Easter Sunday. In April of 1950, during the construction of the church, General Jimmy Doolittle, a high school classmate of Col. Cliff Henderson, and his Tokyo Raiders, 38 in all, were invited to Palm Desert to celebrate their fifth reunion. They were entertained by Bob Hope and Edgar Bergan during their weekend stay. On Sunday morning they all attended the half- completed church and listened to a sermon as they contemplated the vast desert within the wall-less building. Among them was Corporal Jacob D. Deshazar, one of the flyers in the Tokyo raid, downed and captured in Japanese-controlled China. In solitary confinement for three years, he found Christ and, after the war, returned to Japan to preach the Gospel. 4 An engraved cornerstone was put in place at the N/W corner of the native-stone bell tower on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1950, following the Thursday service, two years after the very first service. The whole community was invited. A metal container held early photographs, the Holy Bible, copies of legal documents, a roster of charter and present members and officers, and current issues of the Desert Sun. The soloist this day had also been the soloist at the laying of the cornerstone of the Palm Springs Community Church in 1935. Dr. Macartney was the star throughout this drama which was unfolding in the desert. Piece by piece this dream of a church was becoming a reality. People who had never been to Palm Desert caught the enthusiasm of this dedicated man and helped him build a church they would never see. Four of the trusses were donated by his former pastorates and were dedicated to the four great reformers, Knox, Luther, Wesley and Calvin. Member's hauled rock, built pews, and landscaped the grounds. Bake sales were held to finance furnishings. A stone altar and large window framed the beautiful view of the San Jacinto Mountains. Ninety percent of the cost of the $3000 Wurlitzer organ was donated by those outside of the community. With the completion of the church, recognition was given to meeting the need for a manse for future ministers. Again, the Palm Desert Corporation gave the gift of a lot adjoining the church property itself. Again funds were raised. Two unique events can be noted, one being a venison dinner staged by Rembert Trezevant in his home. The other was the highly successful luau, which he chaired, held at the Shadow Mountain Club, including entertainment by Hilo Hattie. Construction of the manse was started on February 17, 1952. On April 26, 1953, The Reverend Dr. John Robertson Macartney truly retired from active ministry. In six years this man who had looked forward to his retirement with such keen anticipation had, without compensation, organized a church, erected a building, installed an organ, and built a manse. It was an enviable record few can equal. Dr. P. Martin Baker, another retired minister, became pastor in May 1953. He ably guided the church for three years. As the Bakers had their own home, the Sunday school program expanded into the newly-built manse, which became known as the "Church House", providing a social center for the congregation. Many community groups were granted the use of the facilities, including Community Association, Gem and Mineral Society and Boy Scout meetings, and Public Utility hearings. In 1955, it was voted that the Palm Desert School would be allowed the use of the garage room, which had been converted into a classroom. In September 1956, The Reverend Warren C. McClain began his ministry and continued until his resignation on July 20, 1960. An addition was made to the Sunday school building, a lot purchased on near-by Covered Wagon Trail for a new manse, and construction started. The number of elders grew from the original two to a board of six. The church has been called "The Church of a President". As early as 1960, President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower attended services during the winter months when they were in residence at nearly Eldorado Country Club. One afternoon, he brought friends over to see this church, quietly walking in to show it to them as the organist was practicing. The Eisenhower's always sat in the fourth row, a place chosen for them by the Secret Service during his presidency. The congregation at first would stand up in recognition of his 5 presence when he entered, but the President discouraged this practice. He found the church "a warm and friendly place", and both attended whenever they could. At the congregational Meeting on July 16, 1961, The Reverend Dean W. Miller accepted the call to become Pastor. He was installed October 22, 1961. The membership grew quickly, becoming a vital part in the growing city. It had its own Cub Scout Troop, Youth Group, and Women's Society. Reverend Miller saw the need for expansion, but also realized that in doing so, some of the charm which had characterized this small church would have to give way to a larger building. It is the price of success, and one which would please its founder. If ever a living monument existed to memorialize the work of a dedicated man, it is in this church in the desert, a reminder that God is not forgotten, and that He is needed at all times and in all places. The 15th year anniversary of the church was held November 27, 1963, Thanksgiving Day. Dr. John R. Macartney, then 92 years old, delivered the sermon. The following year, on the 16th year anniversary, his widow, Mrs. Macartney, journeyed from Santa Barbara especially for the dedication of a bronze plaque in memory of the church's founding pastor. The Congregation began looking forward to meeting the need for new and enlarged church facilities. A New Church Building In 1964, the Congregation approved the purchase of five acres of land on the Palms to Pines Highway 74. President Eisenhower accepted the invitation to serve as Honorary Chairman of the Building Committee. The Steering Committee met often in his office on the Odlum Ranch near Indio. Members were urged to give freely of their Time, Talent, Prayers, and Treasures — four words selected for a building fund campaign theme. Then began the construction of the new sanctuary, Christian Education Building and fellowship facilities. Groundbreaking for the new structure was held on April 30, 1967. On January 21, 1968, more than one thousand persons, including former President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower, participated in the first service. The service of dedication of the sanctuary was Sunday, February 25, 1968. Dr. Raymond Lindquist, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood and who owned a home on Old Prospector Trail, delivered the dedicatory sermon. The original cornerstone may be seen to the left of the steps at the main entrance of the present sanctuary on Hwy 74, and Pastor Macartney's memorial plaque is located just inside this entrance. The Religious Science Church of the Desert is now located in the enlarged, yet easily- recognizable original structure on the Portola Ave. site. (Parcel No. 625-172-004-3) 6 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 19. References used (In file) 20. Photographs (In file) 21. Letter from property owner (In file) O�ce Use Only Date Application received: March 27 2012 Application complete and acc�:pted: H Yes ❑ No Case Fiie Number: Gf2PC 43-02 Date o#Public Hearing befQ��fhe GRPC: Apri13C1, 2Q'1'3 7 CITY OF PALM DESERT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing wiii be held before the Palm Desert City Councii to consider historic landmark designation for the property tocated at 45-630 Portola Avenue (Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert), Palm Desert, California, Case f�o. CRPC 13-02. Said hearing will be held at 4:00 p.m. on May 23, 2013, in the Council Chambers at the Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California, at which time and place all interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written consent concerning alf items covered by this notice sha(I be accepted up to the date and time of the hearing. Infarmation concerning the proposed designation is available for review in the Building and Safety Department at the above address between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you challenge the proposed action in Court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the hearing described in this notice, as in written compliance delivered to the City Council, or prior to, the public hearing. RA HELLE D. KLASSEN, ITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, GALIFORNIA (760) 346-0611 Date: May 7, 2013 Mendoza, Grace Subject: FW: Legal Notice-Public Hearings-Case Nos. CRPC 13-01 and CRPC 13-02 From: Moeller, Chariene Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 8:32 AM To: 'gsancMez@cityofpalmdesert.org' Subject: RE: Legal Notice - Public Hearings - Case Nos. CRPC 13-01 and CRPC 13-02 Ac�s rc�re�ivec� and r�ill pui�1is11 on c�late(s) rcc�u�stE�c�. ����� � Charlene Moeller � Media Sales Legai Notice Coordinator The Desert Sun Media Group 750 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262 t 760.778.4578 � f 760.77$.4731 leaats(c�thedesertsun.com /dpwle�als@thedesertsun.corri The Coachella Valley's#1 Source in News&Advertising! www.mvdesert.com � twitter <<<�P��1vC)�:�r,����+ � facebook f�2yi.a:��,r r _�,-r�� This email and any files transmitted with it are canfidential and intended for the individual to whom they are addressed. If you have receiued this email in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from yo�ar system From: gsanchezCa�cityofpalmdesert.o� [mailto�qsanchez(a7cityofpalmdesert or�] Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 11:23 AM To: tds-legals Cc: scicchiniCa�cityofpalmdesert.os; gmendazaCa�city�fpalmdesert org; rgriffi� cityofpaimdesert o� Subject: Legal Notice - Public Hearings - Case Nos. CRPC 13-01 and CRPC 13-02 PLEASE PUBLISH THE FOLLOWING: NOTICES OF PUBLIC HEARING 1) Case No. CRPC 13-01—Consider Historic District Designation for Sandpiper Condominiums, Circles 11 and 12, Located on EI Paseo, Palm Desert, California. 2) Case No. CRPC 13-02—Consider Historic Landmark Designation for the Property Located at 45-630 Portola Avenue (Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert), Palm Desert, California. TWICE EACH IN THE DESERT SUN Thursday, May 9, 2013 Thursday, May 16, 2013 If you have any questions or require additional information, please call me. Thank you, Charlene!!! ���a �� Records Technician 1